Filed under: Minivans/MPVs, Crossovers/CUVs, Hatchbacks, Toyota
SEMA 2007: 2009 Toyota Matrix unveiled
Update: Video of the live reveal of the 2009 Matrix is now posted after the jump.
click above image for more high-res pics of the 2009 Toyota Matrix
Along with the new 2009 Corolla, Toyota unveiled its closest sibling, the 2009 Corolla Matrix at the 2007 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Think of it as a Corolla wagon, though Toyota would like you to believe it's inspired by crossovers and SUVs yet has the "soul of a two-door sports car. Sports cars, however, usually come with larger motors than what the Matrix is packing. The five-door hatch can be had with either a 1.8L four-cylinder producing 132 HP or a 2.4L four generating 158 HP, both of which are shared with the Corolla sedan. Trim levels for the Matrix are trimmed down to just the Standard, S and XRS. Both engines are available with any trim level, and are paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed auto with the 1.8L engine and five-speed auto with the 2.4L engine. The Standard model rolls on 16-inch steel wheels with a six-spoke wheel cover, while the S model gets 17-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels and the XRS wears 18-inch twin five-spoke rims.
Check out Toyota's full press release after the jump for more details and view the new 2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix in our gallery below.
PRESS RELEASE:
Toyota Unveils All-New Corolla Matrix At 2007 SEMA Show
October 31, 2007 – Las Vegas - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new second-generation Corolla Matrix at a press conference today at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show.
The Toyota Matrix, the sporty five-door vehicle that helped redefine the concept of a crossover utility vehicle, has been redesigned for the 2009 model year to offer performance that matters for driver enjoyment.
"The Matrix concept was based on blending the functionality of an SUV, the style, image and performance of a sports car with the affordability of a subcompact sedan," said Tim Morrison, Toyota Division corporate marketing manager. "For 2009, it's all that, and more. It may have the body of a five-door hatch, but it comes with the soul of a two-door sports car."
Development of the 2009 Matrix focused on greater exterior coupe-like styling with enhanced interior utility and improved dynamic performance. It was made wider with a lower stance than the current model while maintaining its interior space. The result is a sporty, dynamic shape that contains room for five people to ride in comfort. As a result of significant changes to the Matrix's profile, the theme is flowing and dynamic. The design expresses a low center of gravity, and coupe-like style with a fun-to-drive image. From the rear, the Matrix has rounded rear windows and continuous character lines that run from the front grille to the A-pillar.
Matrix will be available in three grades – Standard, S and the XRS. And Matrix will offer the option of all-wheel drive (AWD) with the S grade. The S and XRS models integrate a front underbody spoiler with a large mesh fog lamp bezel and rear underbody spoiler. A rear deck spoiler will be standard for all XRS models.
The Matrix interior is completely redesigned to enhance driving enjoyment, comfort and utility.
Seats have been redesigned to accommodate the vehicle's new lower profile while maintaining the expected high comfort levels, and seat positions were lowered slightly to maintain appropriate headroom. As a result, cabin space remains equal to that of the previous Matrix.
A new three-spoke steering wheel enhances the rest of the new Matrix interior. XRS models come standard with a leather-trimmed steering wheel that also includes spoke-mounted audio controls and hands-free Bluetooth® capability when equipped.
The driver and front passenger are treated to comfortable new sport seats, with seat-mounted side airbags. A fold-down seatback table will be available for the front passenger's seat, enhancing interior utility on S and XRS. A movable and removable cup support element for the front center console helps provide versatile storage area and convenience. The cup holder area can be used as a tray when the divider is removed.
For rear-seat passengers, expanded front-to-back couple distance helps to provide additional room and comfort. A folding seat with a 60/40 split includes a middle-seat headrest for the fifth passenger.
The Matrix is equipped with a new, high-efficiency air-conditioning system with larger vents for directional accuracy and offers reduced power consumption and improved heating and cooling.
The 2009 Matrix offers the choice of two different engines, a five-speed manual transmission, and either four- or five-speed automatic transmissions.
A 16-valve, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine will produce 132 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. The engine will feature Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) on both the intake and exhaust camshafts that helps it achieve outstanding performance and economy.
Estimated EPA fuel economy ratings are 26/32 city/highway mpg for manual transmission models and 25/31 for the automatic transmission model powered by a 1.8-liter engine.
For those who crave just a bit more horsepower and torque, the Matrix offers a 16-valve DOHC 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with VVT-i that will produce 158 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Matrix models powered by the 2.4-liter engine with five-speed automatic transmission will have an estimated EPA fuel economy of 21/29 city/highway mpg.
The Matrix's base wheel is a 16-inch steel unit with a six-spoke full wheel cover. A distinctive 17-inch five-spoke aluminum wheel will be available for the S grade, and an 18-inch aluminum alloy wheel with a twin five-spoke design will come standard on the XRS grade.
Dual-stage SRS airbags will be standard for the driver and front passenger. Front seat-mounted side airbags, two-row side curtain airbags and front active headrests are also standard.
Brake performance will be improved with standard front and rear disc brakes on all Matrix grades. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) are also standard. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with TRAC and off switch will be standard on XRS and available as an option on all other models. VSC automatically adjusts engine output and the vehicle's braking force at each wheel when the vehicle experiences a loss of traction during cornering.
Form, fun and functionality will be in abundance with an array of standard convenience features across all three grades. Base equipment on all Matrix models include power color-keyed outside rearview mirrors, power steering, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, daytime running lights, heavy duty rear window defogger, intermittent windshield wipers, 12-volt power outlet, four cupholders, auxiliary audio input jack, front center console box and an engine immobilizer.
The S grade adds standard power door locks and windows with one-touch down driver-side, 115-volt power outlet, cruise control, intermittent rear window wiper, fold-flat front passenger seat, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD with MP3 capability and six speakers, front and rear underbody spoilers and fog lamps.
In addition to these features, the XRS grade features standard P215/45 R18 tires on 18-inch alloy wheels, sport strut tower brace, VSC with TRAC and off switch, and a three-spoke leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio steering wheel controls.
In addition to the array of standard equipment, an impressive list of optional comfort and utility features are available to further enhance the Matrix driving experience. Available options will include an AM/FM/CD with six-speaker system with DVD navigation with XM NavTraffic® capability, alloy wheels, power heated outside rearview mirror, intermittent rear window wiper, cruise control, power door locks, power windows, and remote keyless entry.
The all-new Matrix will hit Toyota dealerships in February 2008.
2009 MATRIX PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
POWERTRAIN
1.8-liter four-cylinder engine
132 hp @6,000 rpm
128 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,400 rpm
Five-speed manual and Four-speed automatic transmissions
2.4-liter four-cylinder engine
158 hp @ 6,000 rpm
162 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,000 rpm
Five-speed manual and four and five-speed automatic transmissions
DIMENSIONS (inches)
Overall Length: 173.0 (S and XRS grades)
171.9 (Standard grade and S all-wheel-drive grade)
Overall Width: 69.5
Overall Height: 61.4 (XRS and S all-wheel-drive grades)
61.0 (Standard grade and S)
Wheelbase: 102.4
Ground clearance: 5.3 (S and XRS grades)
5.8 (Standard grade)
click above image for more high-res pics of the 2009 Toyota Matrix
Along with the new 2009 Corolla, Toyota unveiled its closest sibling, the 2009 Corolla Matrix at the 2007 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Think of it as a Corolla wagon, though Toyota would like you to believe it's inspired by crossovers and SUVs yet has the "soul of a two-door sports car. Sports cars, however, usually come with larger motors than what the Matrix is packing. The five-door hatch can be had with either a 1.8L four-cylinder producing 132 HP or a 2.4L four generating 158 HP, both of which are shared with the Corolla sedan. Trim levels for the Matrix are trimmed down to just the Standard, S and XRS. Both engines are available with any trim level, and are paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed auto with the 1.8L engine and five-speed auto with the 2.4L engine. The Standard model rolls on 16-inch steel wheels with a six-spoke wheel cover, while the S model gets 17-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels and the XRS wears 18-inch twin five-spoke rims.
Check out Toyota's full press release after the jump for more details and view the new 2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix in our gallery below.
Gallery: 2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix
PRESS RELEASE:
Toyota Unveils All-New Corolla Matrix At 2007 SEMA Show
October 31, 2007 – Las Vegas - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new second-generation Corolla Matrix at a press conference today at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show.
The Toyota Matrix, the sporty five-door vehicle that helped redefine the concept of a crossover utility vehicle, has been redesigned for the 2009 model year to offer performance that matters for driver enjoyment.
"The Matrix concept was based on blending the functionality of an SUV, the style, image and performance of a sports car with the affordability of a subcompact sedan," said Tim Morrison, Toyota Division corporate marketing manager. "For 2009, it's all that, and more. It may have the body of a five-door hatch, but it comes with the soul of a two-door sports car."
Development of the 2009 Matrix focused on greater exterior coupe-like styling with enhanced interior utility and improved dynamic performance. It was made wider with a lower stance than the current model while maintaining its interior space. The result is a sporty, dynamic shape that contains room for five people to ride in comfort. As a result of significant changes to the Matrix's profile, the theme is flowing and dynamic. The design expresses a low center of gravity, and coupe-like style with a fun-to-drive image. From the rear, the Matrix has rounded rear windows and continuous character lines that run from the front grille to the A-pillar.
Matrix will be available in three grades – Standard, S and the XRS. And Matrix will offer the option of all-wheel drive (AWD) with the S grade. The S and XRS models integrate a front underbody spoiler with a large mesh fog lamp bezel and rear underbody spoiler. A rear deck spoiler will be standard for all XRS models.
The Matrix interior is completely redesigned to enhance driving enjoyment, comfort and utility.
Seats have been redesigned to accommodate the vehicle's new lower profile while maintaining the expected high comfort levels, and seat positions were lowered slightly to maintain appropriate headroom. As a result, cabin space remains equal to that of the previous Matrix.
A new three-spoke steering wheel enhances the rest of the new Matrix interior. XRS models come standard with a leather-trimmed steering wheel that also includes spoke-mounted audio controls and hands-free Bluetooth® capability when equipped.
The driver and front passenger are treated to comfortable new sport seats, with seat-mounted side airbags. A fold-down seatback table will be available for the front passenger's seat, enhancing interior utility on S and XRS. A movable and removable cup support element for the front center console helps provide versatile storage area and convenience. The cup holder area can be used as a tray when the divider is removed.
For rear-seat passengers, expanded front-to-back couple distance helps to provide additional room and comfort. A folding seat with a 60/40 split includes a middle-seat headrest for the fifth passenger.
The Matrix is equipped with a new, high-efficiency air-conditioning system with larger vents for directional accuracy and offers reduced power consumption and improved heating and cooling.
The 2009 Matrix offers the choice of two different engines, a five-speed manual transmission, and either four- or five-speed automatic transmissions.
A 16-valve, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine will produce 132 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. The engine will feature Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) on both the intake and exhaust camshafts that helps it achieve outstanding performance and economy.
Estimated EPA fuel economy ratings are 26/32 city/highway mpg for manual transmission models and 25/31 for the automatic transmission model powered by a 1.8-liter engine.
For those who crave just a bit more horsepower and torque, the Matrix offers a 16-valve DOHC 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with VVT-i that will produce 158 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Matrix models powered by the 2.4-liter engine with five-speed automatic transmission will have an estimated EPA fuel economy of 21/29 city/highway mpg.
The Matrix's base wheel is a 16-inch steel unit with a six-spoke full wheel cover. A distinctive 17-inch five-spoke aluminum wheel will be available for the S grade, and an 18-inch aluminum alloy wheel with a twin five-spoke design will come standard on the XRS grade.
Dual-stage SRS airbags will be standard for the driver and front passenger. Front seat-mounted side airbags, two-row side curtain airbags and front active headrests are also standard.
Brake performance will be improved with standard front and rear disc brakes on all Matrix grades. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) are also standard. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with TRAC and off switch will be standard on XRS and available as an option on all other models. VSC automatically adjusts engine output and the vehicle's braking force at each wheel when the vehicle experiences a loss of traction during cornering.
Form, fun and functionality will be in abundance with an array of standard convenience features across all three grades. Base equipment on all Matrix models include power color-keyed outside rearview mirrors, power steering, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, daytime running lights, heavy duty rear window defogger, intermittent windshield wipers, 12-volt power outlet, four cupholders, auxiliary audio input jack, front center console box and an engine immobilizer.
The S grade adds standard power door locks and windows with one-touch down driver-side, 115-volt power outlet, cruise control, intermittent rear window wiper, fold-flat front passenger seat, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD with MP3 capability and six speakers, front and rear underbody spoilers and fog lamps.
In addition to these features, the XRS grade features standard P215/45 R18 tires on 18-inch alloy wheels, sport strut tower brace, VSC with TRAC and off switch, and a three-spoke leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio steering wheel controls.
In addition to the array of standard equipment, an impressive list of optional comfort and utility features are available to further enhance the Matrix driving experience. Available options will include an AM/FM/CD with six-speaker system with DVD navigation with XM NavTraffic® capability, alloy wheels, power heated outside rearview mirror, intermittent rear window wiper, cruise control, power door locks, power windows, and remote keyless entry.
The all-new Matrix will hit Toyota dealerships in February 2008.
2009 MATRIX PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
POWERTRAIN
1.8-liter four-cylinder engine
132 hp @6,000 rpm
128 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,400 rpm
Five-speed manual and Four-speed automatic transmissions
2.4-liter four-cylinder engine
158 hp @ 6,000 rpm
162 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,000 rpm
Five-speed manual and four and five-speed automatic transmissions
DIMENSIONS (inches)
Overall Length: 173.0 (S and XRS grades)
171.9 (Standard grade and S all-wheel-drive grade)
Overall Width: 69.5
Overall Height: 61.4 (XRS and S all-wheel-drive grades)
61.0 (Standard grade and S)
Wheelbase: 102.4
Ground clearance: 5.3 (S and XRS grades)
5.8 (Standard grade)
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
tikirob 3:33PM (10/31/2007)
Not too bad...I like the interior (Edmund's Inside Line has some good pictures. Still a little boring. I think I like the lines on the Vibe a little better.
Rob
Reply
calebe 3:41PM (10/31/2007)
I like it a lot! Much better than the Corolla
Reply
Enok 3:44PM (10/31/2007)
I'm not sure what to make of this either....
Reply
houston 3:44PM (10/31/2007)
breaking news!: Mazda3 attacked by ugly stick at SEMA!
Reply
Vivek 3:44PM (10/31/2007)
Who at Toyota thinks that front end looks good? Oh well more sales for the vibe.
Reply
Enok 3:45PM (10/31/2007)
I think I understand now. The Matrix and Corolla have now found two divergent paths, with the Matrix taking a more daring route.
Reply
J.Crew 3:47PM (10/31/2007)
Looks like a Solara hatchback... which is not a positive.
Reply
Scott K. 3:48PM (10/31/2007)
I bought the Matrix in 2003. With the manual transmission, alloy wheels and sunroof we have a fun, practical car that gets 28-30 mpg. Still love it and have recommended it on a few occasions. If I were making the same decision based on the 2009 model year, I'd likely get the Vibe (assuming the interior is nice in both). Though I agree, this is much better than the new Corolla.
Reply
Russell 3:50PM (10/31/2007)
WOW mind bogling horsepower and stunning good looks, I am sold.
Reply
Enok 3:51PM (10/31/2007)
I think the key word of the day at Toyota is "dynamic." Read this excerpt from the press release:
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Development of the 2009 Matrix focused on greater exterior coupe-like styling with enhanced interior utility and improved dynamic performance. It was made wider with a lower stance than the current model while maintaining its interior space. The result is a sporty, dynamic shape that contains room for five people to ride in comfort. As a result of significant changes to the Matrix's profile, the theme is flowing and dynamic
Reply
VinceP 3:52PM (10/31/2007)
No manual w/ 2.4 = BAD.
Where's the 3.5L AWD, Toyota?
Reply
Adam 3:59PM (10/31/2007)
Both powertrains a auto/manual option. So I don't know why some of you are saying otherwise. Mind-boggling power? uhhh...no. Both trim levels actually have less than the earlier gen XR and XRS. We were hoping for the 2.4l in the base and the v6 for the xrs/GT. Toyota dropped the ball.
seoultrain 3:59PM (10/31/2007)
2.4-liter four-cylinder engine
158 hp @ 6,000 rpm
162 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,000 rpm
Five-speed manual and four and five-speed automatic transmissions
Looks like it does come with the bigger engine. Also looking for the 3.5. As long as it doesn't screw up the balance.
VinceP 4:07PM (10/31/2007)
Also, I'm glad I bought my Mazda3 last year instead of waiting around for this thing. It tries to be both a sporty hatch AND an econo-wagon, and it looks to have failed at both.
Mazda3 has way better interior and exterior styling/finish for a sporty hatch than this thing. Plus, this version doesn't look to have the same cargo utility as the previous Matrix, regardless of what they say about interior volume (rear slope to hatch looks smaller).
I guess I'm really disappointed at this release - was considering trading over for the Matrix in a few years, but not after this.
J-Vibe 3:53PM (10/31/2007)
Once again, the Vibe looks the better of the two. The interior view of those two tiny windows at the back is bizarre. I'm not sure how this is an improvement on the original. It is shorter in height, with lower seating that messes up the tall-car visibility of the old one. The powertrain choices seem about the same, no better, and the flip-up rear glass in the hatch looks to be gone. That is actually a very useful feature, especially in a car of this class.
The Matrix/Vibe was a pioneer in the small crossover segment, and rather than move the category forward, they've bunted on this one. Missed opportunity!
Reply
polar 3:55PM (10/31/2007)
Screw AWD, I just want the 3.5L.
Reply
CoffeeJedi 4:15PM (10/31/2007)
Why does everyone want the freakin' 3.5 in this? Its a compact, no other car in this segment is available with a 6 cylinder.
psarhjinian 4:24PM (10/31/2007)
Personally, I'd like the 3.5L just because it'd be obscene. Say what you will about Toyotas being dull, each implementation (IS350, Camry SE, RAV4) of that engine has been a tire-smoker. Stuffing it into the sub-3000lb Corolla be stupid, torque-steering fun.
It's like the bizzarro version of the 1.8L VVTLi.
VinceP 4:41PM (10/31/2007)
@CoffeeJedi
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=121972
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TOKYO — Toyota has introduced a more muscular edition of its Blade compact in the home market. The good news for Americans is that a version of the new Blade Master G could make it across the pond next year as a replacement for the Matrix mini-crossover.
The Blade is the home-market version of the Auris hatchback that replaced the Corolla last year in Europe. The standard 2.4-liter Blade was released in February in Japan.
The whimsically named Blade Master G takes things a step further, upping the performance ante with a version of the corporate DOHC 3.5-liter V6 under the hood. The engine, which is similar to the one that powers the Lexus IS 350 and other Toyota models, makes 276 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to a six-speed sequential automatic gearbox with paddle shifters.
polar 5:04PM (10/31/2007)
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/02/japan-toyota-drops-3-5l-v6-in-blade-master-hatchback/
Heck, right here on Autoblog.